Fatal crash leaves 18-year-old dead in Ohio, alcohol suspected factor

NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH (WTRF) - The New Philadelphia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. The crash occurred on June 28, 2026, at approximately 7:53 p.m. The crash occurred on County Road 103 North Orchard Road at Township Road 1277 Northwood Avenue in Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas County. A 2019 Ram 1500, driven by Skylar Nelson, of Bolivar Ohio, was traveling along County Road 103. A 2021 Nissan Altima operated by Ridge Reichman, of New Philadelphia, was traveling north along Township Road 1277. The initial investigation shows that the Nissan Altima failed to yield from the sign at the intersection of Township Road 1277 and Country Road 103. The Nissan was struck on the left side by the Ram 1500 and traveled off the north side of County Road 103. 18-year-old Reichman was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the Nissan. He was transported to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Nelson and their passenger were both belted and were not injured from the crash. Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted on scene by Bolivar Fire/EMS, Strasburg EMS, Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office and Keith's Towing. The crash remains under investigation.